Good things come in twos. Adam and Eve. Rhinos and Africa. Whisky and Ice.
These two luxury lodges are situated in the malaria-free wilderness of the Eastern Cape and while they are separate products, both offer a secluded and off-the-beaten-track Safari. In order to sample the best of both, 6 of us headed to Kichaka and the other 4 to Idwala.
Idwala for its part, was an amazing and pleasant surprise. Nestled in a valley amidst rocky outcrops and a cascading cliff, it offered the utmost in privacy. We could not see or hear any other form of civilisation – as the sights and sounds of the bush reigned supreme. With only four rooms, we had the whole place to ourselves, which is always a pleasure on safari! As such, it is an ideal destination for wedddings, honeymooners or even groups wanting their own personal piece of paradise.
We hopped a game drive that very evening and with just an hour to kill, we were lucky enough to spot lion crouched among the grass on a hillside. A male lion and two lionesses – one of them a hunting machine according to our ranger – stared us down as we shivered at such an awe-inspiring sight. After viewing them awhile, we returned to our lodge past a collection of antelope, giraffe and hippo. That evening, we were treated to a stargazing safari as our ranger pointed out the various constellations and planets lining the night sky. Supper was a gourmet affair of ostrich fillet and a pecan pear dessert before we lounged around the cosy fireplace sipping whisky slowly but surely. And then each one of us stumbled to bed, smiling inside.
Our colleagues at Kichaka had a similarly superb experience. They were also lucky enough to spot lion – seeing as Kichaka and Idwala both have traversing rights over the 7500 hectare Lalibela Game Reserve – and enjoyed a stargazing safari as part of their game drive. New to the safari scene in the Eastern Cape, Kichaka Luxury Game Lodge opened just over a year ago. It offers a beautiful location; down in a cool valley overlooking a large waterhole that is frequented by Africa’s wildlife. The lodge itself is small and intimate creating a home from home atmosphere with luxurious furnishings and exceptionally friendly staff.
After a very entertaining evening game drive they returned to the lodge to freshen up and met again later, before dinner, to do some amazing star gazing on an incredibly clear night. Dinner was server in the once again intimate dining area and the food was just fabulous! PLUS Kichaka also has a very healthy wine selection which they duly got stuck into.
The suites at Kichaka are fantastic – pure luxury! Each suite is sprawled over 3 levels; the top level boasts a beautiful bathroom with large glass shower, double basins, separate toilet and an enormous oval free standing bath. Three steps down and you’re in the open plan bedroom with surround sound overlooking the lounge area, which is another three steps down, that eventually leads onto the private patio with plunge pool and great views.
Kichaka was slightly less exclusive with more rooms, and thus more guests, but it made up for this with luxury as each room came with a private deck and plunge pool. The food was by all accounts fit for a king – and after the quantity of alcohol consumed we wonder if Kichaka will invite us back! In all seriousness, it was a wonderful escape with super game viewing.
Having surveyed both lodges and come face-to-face with the Kings of the Jungle, we came to the mighty conclusion that any visit to these parts necessitates a least a night in both Kichaka and Idwala. It really would be rude not to.
